Activist Rehman Afridi Addresses the Threat of Islamic Extremism in Bangladesh
Fazal ur Rehman Afridi raised alarms about the rise of Islamic extremism in Bangladesh during a UN Human Rights Council event. He noted a significant increase in violence and repression since August, alongside systemic failures in security and justice. Another activist, Rayhan Rashid, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the threats to minority communities and the erosion of political freedoms under the interim regime led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
In a recent address at the UN Human Rights Council, activist Fazal ur Rehman Afridi expressed grave concerns regarding the surge of Islamic extremism in Bangladesh. Afridi emphasized that this alarming trend, which has intensified over the past seven months, poses a significant threat to the coexistence of diverse communities. He underscored the urgency of addressing the situation, stating that extremists are undermining the principles of pluralism and compromising the lives of millions who advocate for tolerance.
Afridi further criticized the deterioration of the country’s security and judicial systems under the interim leadership of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. He reported a notable increase in repression since August 5, highlighting a shift towards religious persecution of minorities and a breakdown of the rule of law. The activist pointed out a worrying rise in violence, including extrajudicial killings and mass arrests directed at dissidents and opposition members.
Moreover, Afridi lamented the suppression of press freedoms in Bangladesh, where journalists attempting to report on these issues face intimidation and harassment. He remarked, “Local media has been gagged, and any journalist who dares to shed light on the actual situation is being branded as a conspirator.” His comments reveal a broader crisis affecting democratic values and minority rights in the country.
Rayhan Rashid, another human rights lawyer, reiterated Afridi’s concerns, highlighting the dire state of human rights under Dr. Yunus’s leadership. Rashid noted a notable decline in political freedoms, with increasing violence against the transgender and LGBTQ communities, as well as widespread detentions of opposition members. He called out the discrepancy between Yunus’s celebrated international image as a reformist and the harsh realities on the ground.
Additionally, Rashid warned of the weaponization of the judiciary and the release of terror-linked militants, stating, “Trust in the justice system is failing. Mob violence continues; sexual violence skyrocketed.” These insights contribute to a grim portrayal of Bangladesh’s trajectory towards greater extremism, endangering societal harmony and human rights.
The statements of Fazal ur Rehman Afridi and Rayhan Rashid articulate a pressing need for global awareness regarding the escalating human rights violations in Bangladesh. As extremist ideologies gain momentum, the implications for pluralism, the rule of law, and minority rights become increasingly severe. The international community must remain vigilant and responsive to these alarming developments to support the protection of fundamental human rights in the region.
Original Source: www.aninews.in
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